Jane Graham Whitney

Jane Graham Whitney was born in her parents’ home on Sentinel Heights, LaFayette, NY. She was the daughter of a farmer and very proud of that fact. She had wonderful memories of the good times on the farm, living with her parents, sister and brothers. 

 A one-room schoolhouse is where Jane began her formal education. She and her sister, Helen, both graduated from Onondaga Valley Academy. Each day they would walk to high school approximately five miles one way. Once winter arrived, the sisters would stay with their grandmother who lived approximately two miles closer to school. Having to walk only six miles roundtrip rather than 10 was a welcome relief. Education was very important to Jane.

During her high school graduation, she received the most wonderful and surprising news. She was the recipient of a full scholarship to a secretarial school.

During the years of World War ll, Jane did her part in the war effort as a volunteer “Plane Spotter”. A nearby farm would call her parents’ house and ask if she could help that day. Upon her arrival, a horse would be saddled. Jane would then go to the highest point of Sentinel Heights and look for planes with suspicious or no markings. If she observed any, her job was to go to the farm, dial a specific number, and report her findings. Everything was done in secret. Unknown to Jane, her sister Helen had also been recruited. This fact had only been found out a few years after Helen’s death when one of her daughters shared the news during a family visit.

Jane’s first job was with Swift and Co. She later worked her way up to the executive secretarial position. Eventually she gave up her job to care for her growing family. 

After her youngest child became established in school, Jane returned to the workforce. She worked for many years as a secretary for the Syracuse City School District.

Jane met the love of her life, John, on a blind date. Their love endured for nearly 65 years.

Jane brought joy to her family. She had a great sense of humor, loved practical jokes and laughter filled her home. She didn’t really let anything bring her down. She always looked for the good in everyone and everything. Holidays were so very special in the Whitney home. Jane would find the most unusual and unique items as gifts for her family.

Jane and John had four children, Karen, Francis, Mark and Paul.

Jane really enjoyed the outdoors. When her husband began climbing the Adirondack High Peaks, Jane was all ready to join in! Much to her delight, the Whitneys became the first family to officially complete the 46 Adirondak high peaks.

Anywhere there was water, Jane was swimming in it! She even swam in the Irish Sea. If she wasn’t swimming in it, she was on top of it kayaking, with her swimsuit on just in case she had a chance for a “dip”. Jane and John continued kayaking well into their 90s!

When her children were young, Jane decided every time they drove past a Catholic church that a prayer needed to be said, and it should be a made-up prayer. Her kids were the most unoriginal beings on the planet. Jane came up with the following prayer and it was said every time they passed a church: “Thank you God for this lovely day. We will try to do everything you want us to do God”. Some of her family still recite that prayer today. 

Thank you, Mom, for the gift of you. We love you and miss you. We honor you by following in your traditions, trying to find the good in others, laughing and finding humor in simple things. Like mixing rubber peanuts with the other nuts. That was a good one!

Jane is now with her best friend and love of her life, John. She is survived by her four children; and several grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and family friends. 

To celebrate Jane’s life, relatives and friends are invited to gather on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Hope, 4845 S. Salina St., Syracuse. A funeral Mass will follow in the church.

Jane will be laid to rest in Onondaga County Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Syracuse.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Our Lady of Hope, 4845 S. Salina St., Syracuse, NY 13205, or to a charity of your choice.